Curiosity Can be such a Messy Thing

11/08/07
"Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly." -Albert Edinborough

In case you've ever needed to know how to get your floors SUPER clean, I have first-hand knowledge that the following method works like nothing else:

Take one scientifically curious 5 year old, and put him in your bathroom in front of the sink. Close the door. (Note- no adult supervision is allowed during this part of the process!) Have the child place the core of one paper-towel roll into the sink. Instruct him to jam it up between the faucet and the drain in a vertical position and turn on the water. Tell him to come out of the bathroom and leave the faucet running. Now, pay close attention as this last part is absolutely crucial to success: have the child CLOSE THE DOOR and go outside to play.

When he remembers what he did and comes running to you to tell you that there is a "HORRIBLE SPILL!" there will be water deep enough to cover your feet on the bathroom floor. There will also be water flooding out into the dining room, under the washer & dryer and into the carpeted hallway. It will be enough water that 9 towels, 2 large rugs, 1 quilt, 1 comforter, 3 washcloths 2 t-shirts, and 4 hand towels won't be able to absorb it all.

When you ask him why on Earth he did something like that, he'll say that he had no idea what would happen. Then he'll start to cry and say he didn't mean to make a mess. Of course, you'll feel really bad for him and tell him it's ok so long as he NEVER does something like that again.

But on the bright side, the floor under your washing machine will be very very clean. And if you've ever wondered just how much water it takes to cover the bathroom floor, come a third of the way into the hallway, and spread another 8 feet into the kitchen, you will now know.